Women crowded the State Capitol on Sunday as they vowed to stand and run to raise money for WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment), Sacramento's primary provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services.

The Nike Women's Fitness Festival, which is also known as "Sacramento's Largest All Women's Walk," took place at the Capitol on Sunday, June 7 from 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. The whole event was presented and sponsored by WEAVE Inc., the Mercy Women's Health Pavillion, Nike, Fleet Feet Sports, Blue Diamond Almonds and, among others. 

This was the fifth annual festival benefitting WEAVE. Serving the Sacramento area for over 30 years, WEAVE offers a 24-Hour Crisis Line, Safehouse, counseling, legal assistance, prevention education, and several other services at no cost. WEAVE’s mission is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in partnership with the community. WEAVE serves all women, men, and children regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or income level. 

Beth Hassett, Executive Director of WEAVE, said of the event, "The Women's Fitness Festival was an amazing day for everyone involved,” said Beth Hassett, Executive Director of WEAVE. “More than 3,200 women and girls walked, ran, and rolled their way on the 5K course. Their strength today will help provide strength to a family that is fleeing a violent home or a woman who has survived a sexual assault. WEAVE is so grateful for the involvement of Nike and Fleet Feet Sacramento for continuing to grow this event and to work with us as the event's beneficiary charity." 

The Mercy Women's Health Pavillion was a first-time sponsor for the event this year. During the festival, Mercy provided attendees with health-related screenings and a presentation on women's health education, conducted body composition testing, foot screenings with Mercy podiatrists, core strength testing with physical therapists, and had specialists on-site to answer questions. 

Gift bags were given to the first 3,000 entrants, including a Nike Dri-Fit True Sport Tee, Fleet Feet Sports reusable canvas bag, a commemorative water bottle, a $5 coupon at Fleet Feet Sports and Fleet Feet Lifestyle Boutique, and a Blue Diamond Almonds breakfast. Nike set up a huge Nike oOutdoor sStore with discounts and sales. There were also over more than $50 worth in sample products and coupons from sponsors such as Luna Bar, Bear Naked and others. 

The overall winners for the 5k run were:

1st Place: Kirsten Schneider from Sacramento with a time of 17:55.0, age 40.

2nd Place: Bridgette Pilling from Folsom with a time of 18:07.9, age 26.

3rd Place: Juliet Wahleithner from West Sacramento with a time of 18:11.9, age 31. 

The Nike Women's Fitness Festival put together a great event supporting women, fitness, health and, nutrition, and raiseding over more than $25,000 for WEAVE.